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A businessman who uses social media to drum up investments in his short-term rental properties is barred from selling securities in Colorado after state officials challenged his claims of high returns and a vast portfolio. A consent order signed by Connor Robertson, a Pennsylvania resident with a business in Colorado, and the Colorado Division of Securities bars Robertson from offering or selling any securities in Colorado for three years.

Two residents who live near the Nestle-Purina Petcare plant in northwest Denver filed a proposed class action lawsuit in federal court this week over the rancid smell they say infiltrates nearby homes, parks, libraries, schools and businesses. Plaintiffs Robert Fields and Lorena Ortiz allege the “noxious odors” emanating from the pet food plant are so strong they cannot plan outdoor events and that other neighbors have filed complaints with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to report the smell makes them gag and their eyes water.

The Great American Beer Festival plans to reduce the number of attendee sessions in 2024 and permit breweries to serve additional beverages, including ready-to-drink cocktails. Boulder-based organizer the Brewers Association recently noted changes to the craft beer industry’s biggest event, coming to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver Oct. 10-12, in registration guidelines for prospective brewery participants. Instead of the usual four, individually-ticketed festival sessions, GABF will host three sessions: One on Thursday night (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.), one on Friday night (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.), and one Saturday afternoon (noon to 4:30 p.m.).

Google Ventures UX research partner Michael Margolis explains the formula he’s used to help 300 startups conduct effective user research faster. This is an excerpt from Learn More Faster: How to Find Your Bullseye Customer and Their Perfect Product, now available from Google Ventures. It has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

ENISA head Juhan Lepassaar said that the disruptive digital attacks were often tested in Ukraine before being expanded to the EU. Disruptive digital attacks, many linked to Russian-backed groups, have doubled in the European Union in recent months and are also targeting election-related services, according to the EU’s top cybersecurity official.

ConocoPhillips is buying Marathon Oil in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $17.1 billion as energy prices rise and big oil companies reap massive profits. The deal is valued at $22.5 billion when including $5.4 billion in debt. Crude prices have jumped more than 12% this year and the cost for a barrel rose above $80 this week.